Did you know that your chest muscles are essential in everyday life? They play a vital role in many activities including pushing a heavy door open, lifting grocery bags and even getting up from a chair. The chest muscles also contribute to and supporting your shoulder joints. When you reach for something on a high shelf or carry objects close to your body, you are activating your chest muscles.
The are worked through various exercises that involve pushing and pressing movements. The pectoralis major, the larger of the two chest muscles, is responsible for movements such as pushing, lifting and rotating the arm. Exercises like , chest presses and chest flys specifically target this muscle group.
The pectoralis minor, located underneath the pectoralis major, assists in stabilizing the shoulder blade and is engaged during exercises like pushups and dips. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can effectively work the chest muscles, leading to increased strength and improved functional fitness. Perform each of these exercises for 10-12 reps, and repeat the circuit 3 times through.
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bring your arms out to your sides at shoulder height, parallel to the floor. Relax the shoulders down, and then pull the arms toward the front of you as if you’re hugging a tree. Keep the elbows level with your arms — don’t let them dip down — and be conscious of the shoulders starting to raise up.
If this happens, it means the weight is too heav.